Engine Identification
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Engine Identification
I have found a FE engine in an auto with a C-6 transmission. The seller states that it's a 427, all I know is that the id plate has been removed off the valve covers and/or inside the hood. The engine has a split type intake manifold, which means that the intake manifold goes inside the valve covers, a 4bbl carb with the large rear ports. My question is short of taking the engine apart how do I tell the difference between the 352, 390, 427, 428 motors? Were these engines ever installed in 1978 Ford F150 trucks?
Last but not least, is the only difference the crankshaft, rods, and pistons?
Last but not least, is the only difference the crankshaft, rods, and pistons?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,360
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From: Iowa
Engine Identification
The eaisest way to tell if it's a 427 is to crawl under the truck and look just obove the oil pan. 427's had cross-bolted mains. Instead of just two main cap bolts, they also had two extra bolts that ran through the block into the sides of the main bearing caps. If it's a 427, you'll see three bolts on each side if the motor, running into the block, just above the oil pan. If you just find one or two, it's not a 427.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Inthepast
Engine Identification
The 427 also had screw in core plugs as well as the cross-bolted mains as mentioned. You can probably narrow things down using the dowel trick. It's explained on my web page under "engine identification". Essentially you are taking a rough measurement of the stroke. Post back what you find out. Not likely to be a 427 but wouldn't it be nice if it were one? 
Stock Man
1967 Galaxie 500 Convertible (HELP!---I need 15 x5 factory rims)
1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd
1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
Stock Man
1967 Galaxie 500 Convertible (HELP!---I need 15 x5 factory rims)
1967 F-250 FE 390 4wd
1966 F-250 I6 240 2wd LWB Flare Side
<a href="http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee">http://www.hometown.aol.com/tbeeee</a>
Senior User
Joined: Jun 1999
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Engine Identification
My understanding of Ford history is that 1968 was the last year of 427 production. The 1967 427s were the last solid-lifter side-oilers. The 1968 427s were all hydraulic lifter engines.
It could be a 427 if the original engine broke and the owner at the time bought a replacement engine from Ford. 427s were available over the counter at Ford delerships through the late '70s, but most of them were already picked-over and you were taking a chance that the engine was straight and true.
If it is a 427 then it is a rare find and worth a few thousand bucks. Even if it's not, some of the old FE motors are worth a few bucks. I have a 428 sitting in my garage that I paid $350 for in 1992. I was recently informed that a complete 428 in rebuildable shape is worth $1,200 because they too are getting quite rare.
Please keep us informed of what you find out about this FE.
Bruce.
It could be a 427 if the original engine broke and the owner at the time bought a replacement engine from Ford. 427s were available over the counter at Ford delerships through the late '70s, but most of them were already picked-over and you were taking a chance that the engine was straight and true.
If it is a 427 then it is a rare find and worth a few thousand bucks. Even if it's not, some of the old FE motors are worth a few bucks. I have a 428 sitting in my garage that I paid $350 for in 1992. I was recently informed that a complete 428 in rebuildable shape is worth $1,200 because they too are getting quite rare.
Please keep us informed of what you find out about this FE.
Bruce.
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